Side-Mounted Optical Viewfinder Adapter for Handheld Cinema Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium format camera optical viewfinders for digital cinema cameras like the Red Komodo require viewing from the rear or top, making them unusable for handheld operations and restricting viewing angles, especially when using a tripod, and electronic viewfinders need power and complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

An adapter apparatus combining a first optical imaging apparatus, such as a prism array, with a second optical imaging apparatus, like a motion picture viewfinder, allows viewing from the side without additional power or electronic devices, using existing components or custom manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If medium format camera optical viewfinders are mounted on top of digital cinema cameras, then an optical viewfinder solution is achieved, but the viewing position is restricted to rear or top only, making it unusable for handheld operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandheld operation usabilityVSAvoidviewing position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a side-mounted viewfinder position, adding a new spatial dimension to the viewing arrangement. Instead of viewing from the top or rear of the camera, the viewfinder is positioned on the side, allowing the operator to view the image from a lateral direction. This dimensional change enables traditional handheld shoulder-mount operation while maintaining optical viewing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an adapter apparatus as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the camera's display monitor and the optical viewfinder. This adapter includes optical elements (such as mirrors or prisms) that redirect the image path from the top-mounted display to the side-mounted viewfinder position, enabling the operator to view from multiple positions including the side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electronic viewfinders or external monitors are used to view camera images, then viewing capability is achieved, but additional power sources, cables, and digital configurations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing capabilityVSAvoidpower and configuration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic viewing systems (monitors, electronic viewfinders) with a purely optical viewing system. By using optical elements like mirrors or prisms to redirect light from the camera's display monitor through an optical viewfinder, the system eliminates the need for electronic power sources, cables, and digital configurations. This substitution maintains viewing capability while significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical viewfinder system is self-contained and does not require external power sources or complex configurations. The optical path is naturally self-sustaining, using the camera's existing display monitor as the light source and redirecting it through passive optical elements. This self-service characteristic eliminates dependency on external power and electronic infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the camera rig is held in front of the body for handheld operation, then the optical viewfinder can be viewed, but it becomes uncomfortable and front-heavy for the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewfinder accessibilityVSAvoidcamera rig balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the viewfinder on the side of the camera rather than requiring the camera to be held in front of the body, the patent changes the spatial arrangement to a lateral viewing position. This allows the camera rig to be shouldered naturally, with the viewfinder accessible from the side, distributing weight more favorably and eliminating the uncomfortable front-heavy positioning required by traditional top-mounted viewfinders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables traditional, comfortable, and stable handheld camera operation with the ability to view the camera image from multiple positions, including the side, without the need for external power or electronic devices, improving accessibility and usability.

Implementation Method 1

An adapter apparatus combining a first optical imaging apparatus, such as a prism array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrism: Prism

Data Source

PatentUS12501139B2Adjustable digital cinema camera optical viewfinder

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 TYLER JAMARL

AI summary

An adapter apparatus, comprising a housing comprising two mount parts, wherein when a first optical imaging apparatus and a second optical imaging apparatus are attached to the housing, an image from the first optical imaging apparatus is visible through the second optical imaging apparatus such that a subject of the first optical imaging apparatus is visible to a viewer in focus and in full through the second optical imaging apparatus. The configuration creates a new apparatus via the combination.